Nine News - Road wars
1:41

Police have pleaded with drivers and cyclists to take more care on our roads.

news.com.au

12 Mar 2014

News

IT’S an issue that has people just as fired up as the Budget, and much like politicians, there’s a lot of hot air when it comes to cyclists.

Nothing gets motorists quite as fired up as someone on a bike.

Why?

Because apparently cyclists break road rules, speed, weave in and out of traffic and show irresponsible behaviour on the roads. We’ve heard it all before.

Here’s the thing. As a cyclist myself, I agree that we’re not all angels, but I’m getting fed up with the blame game that takes place on our roads everyday.

Arguments with drivers, while I’m in a bike lane, are a common occurrence.

In my personal experience I’ve experienced verbal abuse, threats and general harassment from motorists, all designed to distract and scare me.

So why society’s constant furore over cyclists?

I noticed a couple of things at the weekend which really got by back up — an article blasting all cyclists as Lycra-wearing, careless road users, and a Facebook page, Drivers for registration of bicycles, aimed at picking up everything that’s wrong with cycling.

Cyclists snapped speeding. One group was clocked at 48km per hour in a 30 zone proving some bike users do indeed speed.Source: News Corp Australia

As someone who just wants to use the road and get to work safely without the threat of conflict, I feel the need to get a few urban myths straight.

This cyclist is using the road and looks to be doing all the right things too.Source: News Corp Australia

1. Cyclists should stay off the road

Every state in Australia has laws dictating that cyclists can use the roads. If you want it changed, do something about it. Lobby your local MP, write to the relevant State Government authorities or find another way to change the law. Otherwise, deal with it.

Cyclist deaths in Australia jumped at a greater rate than motorcyclists (up 6 per cent), but according to NRMA spokesman Peter Koury, this isn’t because cyclists are taking unnecessary risks but probably more due to an increase of cyclists using the roads.

8. Cyclists should pay registration

This has long been touted as a solution by the anti-cycling brigade to make bike users more accountable.

Bike registration is an option not even Australia’s peak motoring body agrees with.

The NRMA’s Peter Koury said it was difficult to enforce and there would be potential safety risks.

For example, the idea of displaying a number plate like you would on a vehicle caused concern about injuries or distractions.

“If we really want to see accidents involving cyclists drop we need more education, better use of cycle lanes and better separation of cars and bikes,” he said.

“We want to encourage people to use their bikes and registration won’t do that.”

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Comments on this story

nathan of Australia Posted at 3:06 PM May 21, 2014

here's my list. 1: if your bike collides with my vehicle regardless of who is at fault you will likely be seriously injured or killed. a busy road is no place for a cyclist.

Mary of Brighton Posted at 3:04 PM May 21, 2014

I have seen numerous cyclists cross against the lights, when they think it's safe. It's illegal, and can cause accidents, but they drive on in ignorant bliss.

alex of Canberra Posted at 3:02 PM May 21, 2014

They may be allowed to ride two abreast but when I have been behind them in a car on a single lane they have certainly not been only 1.5 metres apart. No wonder motorists trying to get to work like myself the other day get annoyed! These cyclists were well aware that they had motor vehicles behind them banked up but were so ignorant and inconsiderate that they continued to ride abreast not allowing any cars to be able to overtake them. So to the author of this articel you best tell your lycra clad mates to be a little more considerate as people are trying to get to work and not on a excercise ride.

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